Abstract: Growing demands for smaller electronic assemblies has resulted in reduced sizes of passive components, requiring the introduction of newer components, such as the 01005 devices. Component miniaturization presents significant challenges to the traditional surface mount assembly process. A successful assembly solution for these 01005 devices should be repeatable and reproducible, and should include guidelines for (i) the selection of solder paste and (ii) appropriate stencil and substrate pad design, and should ensure strict process control standards.

During the first phase of this study, different stencil types, aperture designs, pad layouts and process parameter settings were evaluated with the goal of achieving a high-yield assembly solution for 01005 components. Printed circuit board assemblies are populated, usually, with both large active devices (often surface mount packages), along with much smaller passive components (such as 01005s). Consequently, it was decided to use a 4 mil thick stencil along with a type 4 solder paste. Based on these process and design conditions, several stencil aperture shapes were evaluated using metrics, such as transfer efficiency and variance in volume of the deposited solder. These two criteria help determine solder volume adequacy and consistency. In addition, different pad layouts were studied vis-à-vis their ability to promote (or inhibit) component self alignment during the solder reflow process.

The results of the first phase of this study indicated that an electroformed stencil performed much better than a laser cut stencil in terms of transfer efficiency. However, considering the relatively higher cost of an electroformed stencil, a follow up (second) study focusing on the use of a laser cut stencil was considered essential. The objective of this study was to develop a process that provides higher yields while ensuring cost effectiveness. Aperture designs were adjusted to increase the area ratio. The results showed that it was possible to develop a robust 01005 assembly process with the use of 4 mil thick laser cut stencil in concert with a type 4 solder paste.

Corporate Member Spotlight:

What you are saying:

Being a member of the SMTA is not just a form of job security, but it is "career security." As a member, you take the friendships, network, and resources of the SMTA with you wherever you go. The SMTA is a family. A family works to help each other out. That's what families do.Steve GreathouseSr Staff Microelectronics Engineer, Plexus